Samoa in 2006

In Samoa the March 2006 election, which was contested by five parties, returned the Human Rights Protection Party to power with a significantly increased majority. Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi quickly promoted some young ministers to key positions in the cabinet. The election was followed by a number of petitions from unsuccessful candidates, and in August Attorney General Brenda Heather-Latu resigned over perceived government interference in these matters. The election result, however, reflected general satisfaction with the country’s continued economic growth rate, which, at about 5.5% per annum, was among the highest in the Pacific region.

Structural reforms started to deliver benefits as macroeconomic measures and a privatization program freed government resources for increased social expenditure on health and education. The country remained heavily dependent on aid and remittances from expatriate Samoans in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. According to the World Bank, recorded remittances represented 40% of GDP and were matched by a similar amount in unofficial remittances in cash and kind. Significant new construction occurred throughout the year as Samoa, with assistance from China, moved to complete new venues for the 13th South Pacific Games in 2007.